(WBNG Binghamton) The New York State Bicycle Racing Association recently became the first Local Association to formalize the implementation of USA Cycling’s (USAC) Race Clean Program.

According to a news release issued Friday:

The new program is designed to help eradicate the use of performance enhancing drugs and methods in cycling through increased testing for road, cyclo-cross and mountain bike events sanctioned by USA Cycling including the Chris Thater Memorial Races.

The 2013 Chris Thater Memorial Races are the proud host of the 2013 NYSBRA Criterium Championships which features several categories of racing based on skill level, age and gender. State champions will be crowned in 20 cycling events.

NYSBRA President and Chris Thater Memorial Cycling Events Director Jeffrey Poulin sees the new program as a positive step forward for the sport of cycling in the region: “This grew from a grass-roots desire from NY racers to have a clean sport and so it makes NYSBRA proud to lead the way by joining USA Cycling’s RaceClean program,” Poulin stated.

“The RaceClean program sends a strong statement about anti-doping and ensures a level playing field at all levels of racing,” said USA Cycling President & CEO Steve Johnson. “It is gratifying to see that race directors, teams, riders and our Local Associations such as the New York State Bicycle Racing Association are eager to get behind this initiative to help further our sport.”